I wish I had something profound to say about this and how it will affect us all. But looking to external things to determine the course of my life is not my M.O. From experience, I have found that trying things we know we would regret not having tried usually yields what we’d hoped for—and more than we could have imagined. The best things in life often blindside you.
This is a hopeful thought. Consider it a small light, on purpose, for this exact moment.
We reactivated AIGA Seattle in 2024 and by 2025 we had enough of a handle on things to host events. To all those who sponsored, who helped, who attended: We can’t thank you enough. Thank you so very much.
It is great to be together, to be in community. So much more can happen when you’re in the room. It takes time. It takes effort, but you can hear it better. You receive it differently. You can be changed and you can change others. For the better. You can voice your thoughts in real time and be part of something. We can share our stories and be part of the story, all because we show up.
We have some good things in store. And we’ll share other good things going on. But regardless of what it is, thanks for being with us.
On behalf of the AIGA SEA Board,
Terry Bae Marks President, AIGA
2025 Recap
AIGA Seattle Comeback Party
Josh Higgins: Pass It On
Josh Higgins is the guy whose career you hoped for when you started out… and still want now. Transitioning from punk bands to design school to the creative world, Josh used every experience and chance meeting as a springboard. By giving everything he had, being authentic and giving back, he built a career on vision, hope, and even joy - and gives homage to all those who helped shape him and his path.
Reality Check: Portfolio Reviews + State of Design Panel
In October, 60+ students and dozens of professionals met one on one to review portfolios. Getting to speak with someone who’s been there, who knows the landscape is invaluable when you’re trying to figure it out. Huzzah and countless thanks to all of you who showed up!
Afterwards, we gathered for the State of Design Panel to garner the collective wisdom of Rachel Elnar / AIGA National Board, Adobe, John Maeda / Head of AI for Microsoft and Dave Miller, Founder of Design Citizen. Moderated by our own Erik Cargill, questions were pondered, knowledge was dropped and perspectives were formed. And it might only be the tip of the iceberg:
Holiday Maker + Art Mart
Upcoming:
Thursday, February 5, 2026
FREE In-Person Event
Partners in Print & AIGA Seattle are hosting Print & Sip on Thursday, February 5, 2026; 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm PST
We are kicking off the new year (one month later) with this event! Come with a willingness to unplug, 100% analog (for those of you keeping score, registration doesn't count), get your hands dirty, print something to hang on your wall, and you will have the opportunity to interact and talk to people.
The fine folks from Neenah paper will be there to provide us with substrates for printing, sipping, and snacking. Furniture will be provided. Sorts will be sorted. Stripping will be entirely unnecessary.
Space is limited to the first 50 people who register using the button below.
Creative Works WEST is a 3-day summit for creative professionals and commercial artists serious about craft. Candid presentations, hands-on workshops, demos, a pop-up market, and real community built around one idea: Soul Over Scale. The industry keeps chasing faster, cheaper, more—more content, more outputs, more “efficiency.” Meanwhile, the people who actually make the work are burned out, laid off, and told to keep up with the machines.
If you’re tired of the algorithm running your career, you’re not alone. Creative Works WEST 2026 exists to push back. For three days in Seattle, creative professionals—designers, illustrators, hand letterers, storytellers, commercial artists, and creative leaders—come together to talk honestly about the work: how it really happens, what it costs, and why it matters.
— Use our link below👇 to save $50 on your conference pass —
